QU Women's Lacrosse Announces 2014 Program Awards

May 13, 2014

HAMDEN, Conn. – The Quinnipiac University women's lacrosse team announced its 2014 team awards in a ceremony on May 2. Awards for outstanding attack and defensive player were handed out along with honors for most improved player and the Becca Main Ultimate Bobcat Award. The team's Most Valuable Player was recognized at the Quinnipiac University Athletics and Recreation Awards event on May 4 at the TB Bank Sports Center. on

Junior Kyra Ochwat was named the team's Outstanding Attack Player after leading the Bobcats in goals (44), assists (18), and points (62) this season. Ochwat was named first team All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference after leading the MAAC in conference play with 3.38 goals per game. She also finished second in points per game, and fifth in assists per game.

"Kyra was our most consistent offensive performer this year, despite drawing face guards and double teams from our opponents," Head Coach Danie Caro said. "What was most impressive about her performance, however, was how mature she became on the field. She was very poised and was a leader for us. We expect big things from her next year in her final campaign."

Junior Vicki Kuhn was honored as the Outstanding Defensive Player by the team after being named to the All-MAAC First Team this spring. Kuhn was often assigned to guard the opponents best attacker, and finished second on the team in caused turnovers (18) and second on the team in ground balls (25), while also contributing a goal and three assists in 2014.

"We were fortunate to see Vicki continue to develop as a lacrosse player this year, while also improving as a leader on the field," Caro said. "She became more vocal for us, while remaining one of our hardest workers. The best part is that she has another season to continue improving."

The team's Most Improved Player honor was given to sophomore defender Leah Walter, who started 10 games for the Bobcats and appeared in all 15 played this season. Walter tied for the team lead in ground balls (26) and also chipped in with 16 caused turnovers, 10 draw controls and three points.

"Leah really stepped up for us this year," said Caro. "She is one of our feistiest players and really provided a spark for our defense when we entered conference play. We're very proud of how hard she worked, and think that she will continue to develop and mature next year."

The Becca Main Ultimate Bobcat Award is given to the player who best embodies the characteristics of the ideal student-athlete. They must excel on the field and in the classroom and demonstrate loyalty and dedication to the team. This year's award was given to Kelsey Maroney, a senior defender, who has been a fixture in the Bobcats back line for the past three seasons.

"Kelsey is one of the best people we've had involved in the program during my tenure here. She is an outstanding human being and will go through the wall for her teammates," said Caro. "She is a great role model for our younger players because of her work ethic and intensity on the field, and her dedication and team spirit were unparalleled. We were very happy to honor Kelsey with the Becca Main award as she proved to be a worthy heir to those that have won it previously."

The team's Most Valuable Player award was announced at the 2013-14 Athletics and Recreation Athletics Awards program held on May 4, 2014 at the TD Bank Center. Junior Kyra Ochwat, whose scoring output accounted for 30 percent of the Bobcats total points scored this season, was honored by Athletic Director Jack McDonald as the team's MVP.